GU graduate’s essay wins national honors

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, September 27, 2005

I sit down at the table; pen in hand, to write of my gratitude and condolences for a soldier. My head is full of words of sympathy, encouragement and understanding. My pen is full of ink to write “thank yous,” inspirations and hope. But then my head full of ideas falters and my pen full of ink wavers. And I stop.

What do you write to a soldier? What do you say to a hero? Suddenly my words of sympathy and encouragement seem to be insufficient chatter. How little I know of a soldiers’ suffering! What would I, a teenage girl in a sheltered community, say to a soldier who daily strives to avoid death? My fears now seem insignificant compared to their day-to-day struggles. Being accepted to college? Making it to the basketball game? How selfish I am, how naive and childish I am acting!

How can I consider those to be fears when every day our soldiers are encountering terrorists, eluding shrapnel and losing friends? How can I lose sleep over a small disagreement with my boyfriend, when everyday people at home are losing soldiers they loved?

What do you write to a soldier? What do you say to a selfless giver? I cannot think of words to offer up courage, for do they not have far more courage than I? I cannot attempt to inspire them, when they serve as an inspiration for me. I cannot suggest that they will be home soon, that is a hope that is not mine to bestow.

I ponder over these soldiers, considering their bravery for joining the forces to stand for a country they believe in. But what’s more, for people they believe in, just like me. With that thought, I realize that whatever comes from the heart of an American would mean quite a lot to a soldier so far away.

When I write to a soldier, I will tell him, or her, that I believe in them to do their best and to remain strong as they were trained to do. I will tell them how full of admiration I am for them. That they could leave behind family, friends and perchance their future to join the forces to protect not only our country, but another, is astounding.

How valiant they are for striving to do their best even when confronted by angry (people), and never complaining.

I would tell them that they are far more daring and capable than I could ever be. I am so impressed by their loyalty to their cause and to one another.

What is it like in Iraq? Do they ever have a moment to relax? I would tell them that I wished for them a moment’s quiet and serenity. I would declare to them my thankfulness and wish for peace so that they may come home to those who love them. And I would tell them that they are always in our thoughts, our prayers and our hearts.

So now I plant my pen on paper and begin to write to my soldier. My pen does not stop, for there are countless things to say and many thoughts to convey. I sign the letter with all my love and seal the envelope with a silent prayer. A prayer that this envelope full of compassion, appreciation and best wishes reaches my soldier in safety.

Anne Terese Cerny won $100 in state competition, and $500 in national competition. She is a member of Grant Union High School’s Class of 2005. She started college this fall at Oregon State University. She plans to major in communications and is considering a career as a newscaster. She entered the essay contest through the John Day American Legion Auxiliary.